Updated date:

Nov 7, 2019

Review of the Diplomat 31-586 Watch Display Case

Author:

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

The Diplomat 31-586 holding part of my collection.
Walter B Shillington

When I first began collecting watches, I purchased a large, padded leather, Tech Swiss display case for storage. I am, however, fanatical when it comes to collecting. Every day I scan the internet, searching for deals and spending far more than I can afford. Before long, it became obvious that a second box would be required.

What to Look for in a Watch Display Case

Although internet-based stores provide photographs of the items they sell, it is important to read the accompanying description. This should include the type of material used to construct the box and composition of its display window.

Also of significance is the width of each individual grid. If, for example, the grids measure forty-three centimeters across, the box can comfortably hold small and medium-sized timepieces. Larger watches can be accommodated, but the adjoining grids may not be usable. As a general rule, you should not purchase a watch box with grids smaller than this size.

Of course, rules are made to be broken, and the display case reviewed below successfully breaks this criterion.

Rear view. Reinforced corners are noticeable due to the thinness of the faux leather covering.
Walter B Shillington

Description

I purchased the Diplomat 31-586 from Amazon. It arrived on time and was well packed. The total cost came to fourteen dollars.

Measurements

This display case, measuring 37 cm (14 ½ inches) in length, is longer than most. It is 21 cm (8 inches) deep and 7.8 cm (3 inches) in height. Total weight is 1.1 kilos (39 ounces)

Construction

The box is constructed of wood—probably medium grade fiberboard—and includes a large glass window.

Black, faux leather covers the exterior of the case. This extends into the interior although the wooden slats reinforcing the edge of the window are simply painted. The hardware included consists of a sturdy latch and two metal hinges. Eighteen flexible inserts are provided to support the straps of watches stored inside the case.

Rather than adopting the traditional grid system, Diplomat chose to provide a 27mm (one inch) thick layer of foam, punctuated by two rows of slots. These slots are 38mm apart and can accommodate up to eighteen watches.

Manufacturer

Diplomat is an exporter of Chinese manufactured watch accessories. These include display cases, watch winders and specialized toolkits. Quality ranges as high as medium and I have been impressed by their warranty support.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Diplomat
Model: 31-586
Place of Origin: Mainland China
Gender: Neutral
Purchase Price: Fourteen dollars
Weight: 1100 grams (39 ounces)
Width: 37cm (14 ½ inches)
Depth: 21cm (8 inches)
Height: 7.8cm (3 inches)
Slot Dimensions: 38mm slot to slot. 78mm in length. 27mm thick
Number of Slots: Eighteen
Main Construction Material: Wood; probably medium quality fiberboard
Interior Trim: Faux leather and foam
Composition of Display Window: Glass
Hardware Provided: Metal latch and two metal hinges

Although larger watches cannot be accommodated next to each other, the black background minimizes the 'gapped tooth' effect
Walter B Shillington

Visual Appeal

A faux leather sheathing has been glued to the outside of the display case. Although this covering has been properly applied, it is quite thin and fails to conceal the bulges created by reinforcing material applied to the box’s corners. Please note that the appearance, under normal conditions, is not as noticeable as suggested by my photographs. Bright lights tend to exaggerate problems.

The screws used to attach the latch and hinges extend completely through the sides of the case. While they provide good support, visual appeal is slightly diminished.

How the Watches Look in the Case

In order to accommodate different sized watches, Diplomat has chosen to replace the traditional grid system with one incorporating slots. Normally, in less expensive display cases, grid space is minimal. Large watches will crowd into adjoining grids, forcing the owner to leave a number of these grids empty.

The problem remains with this unit but because the background is of black foam, the dreaded ‘gapped tooth’ effect is minimized. Visually, this method works well for collections that include watches of varying size.

Durability

I feel this display case has been sturdily constructed. The box is fabricated from fiberboard, and Diplomat chose to utilize a glass display window.

The top of the foam lining is coated with a thin black material. Flexible, cloth covered inserts are supplied for each of the 18 slots. Over the six months, I have owned this box, these items have not noticeably deteriorated.

Lid Issues

Most display cases are equipped with a mechanism designed to hold the box’s lid securely in the open position. This element is incorporated into the hinges of more expensive units. Other boxes utilize a strip of cloth that stretches from the bottom half of the box to the top. Diplomat failed to include this feature. This increases the danger of the lid falling backward or forward, possibly damaging the glass window.

A close-up of the hinge.
Walter B Shillington

Overall Impression

While this display case is not perfect, it is solidly constructed, and I feel its slot system is ideally suited for watches of varying size. If you are looking for a good but inexpensive watch box, the Diplomat 31-586 is worthy of strong consideration.

Watch boxes are designed to satisfy the needs of collectors. In the poll below, I am attempting to ascertain the size most commonly required.